The portal will be a hub of learning, interaction, opportunity, and connection.

The “ammakalviyagam.in”, named after late chief minister Jayalalithaa, was launched as part of her 69th birth anniversary celebrations.

6. According to recently published report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI) and Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB), internet users in India are expected to be in the range of 450 to 465 million by June 2017.

International – Across the Globe:

1. South Korean and United States held large-scale joint military exercise called Foal Eagle.

The exercise was held to test their defence readiness against the threat from North Korea.

It will continue until the end of April 2017.

2. China has announced that it will cut five lakh jobs from steel, coal and other heavy industries.

This will be done to reduce excess production capacity amid slowdown of its economy which is world’s second largest.

3. The World Bank has offered a $1 billion loan to the Maharashtra government.

The loan was offered to improve rail services in the Mumbai metropolitan region, water conservation, smart cities and for making farming climate resistant in the state.

Sports & Athletics:

1. India will host the World Women’s Youth Boxing Championship in November this year, the first major international event to be held in the country since 2010.

In 2010, India had hosted the Commonwealth Championships followed by the Commonwealth Games.

Awards & Recognition:

1. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the BCCI Awards 2017. Here is the name of some of the winners.

4. Luis Norton de Matos has been appointed as the head coach of the India’s Under-17 team for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

The World Cup is scheduled to be held in October 2017 in India.

He replaces Nicolai Adam.

Economics & Banking GK:

1. Axis bank, ICICI bank, HDFC bank have begun charging a minimum amount of 150 per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals beyond four free transactions in a month.

The new charges would apply to savings as well as salary accounts, leading private sector player HDFC Bank said in a circular.

These charges are for cash transactions in the branches, and not through ATMs.

State bank of India will levy a minimum amount of Rs 50 per transaction after three transactions.

2. The government has notified the law that makes holding of more than 10 scrapped notes punishable with a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.

The law also provides a minimum fine of Rs 50,000 for false declaration by persons who were abroad during the demonetisation period (November 9-December 30, 2016) and given time to deposit such scrapped notes with RBI till 31st March 2017.

3. The Union Government has asked all banks to provide mobile banking facility to all customers by 31st March, 2017.

This is part of the government’s efforts to boost the digital payment system.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):

1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a technology transfer agreement with Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Ltd. (JSHL).

The agreement was signed for manufacturing high nitrogen steel (HNS).

2. Odisha Government and Invest India signed an agreement to promote start-ups and MSME sector of the state to gain access to best practices of the world.

As per reports, Odisha became the first state to sign MoU with Invest India for working on startups.

3. Gujarat-based Incube Ventures Pvt Ltd, under the banner of Aashray Promotion of Social Enterprises Foundation, announced the signing of an MoU with the Jharkhand government.

The MoU was signed to establish an incubation centre for start-ups in the state.

Important Dates:

1. 2nd march is celebrated as Read Cross America day every year.

However, if it falls on a weekend, it is observed in the school systems on the school day closest to March 2nd.

This day is a motivational and awareness day, calling all children and youth in every community across the United States to celebrate reading.